The Ekiti State Government has established food storage facilities across the state to address food scarcity, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure year-round food sufficiency.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, during an inspection of one such facility in Ado-Ekiti, highlighted the initiative as a proactive response to avert the food shortages experienced last year. He stated that these facilities would allow the government to purchase farm produce during harvest and release them during periods of scarcity to stabilize food prices.
The project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive urging state governments to prioritize food security as part of efforts to combat hunger nationwide. Governor Oyebanji noted that over 6,000 hectares of farmland were cultivated in 2024, with most of the produce sourced from young farmers under the “Bring Back Youth in Agriculture” program.
“We are committed to alleviating hunger and ensuring food security in Ekiti State. These storage facilities will enable us to regulate food prices and support our farmers, especially the youth,” the governor said.
Accompanied by key officials, including his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Boluwade Ebenezer; and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Tayo Adeola, the governor emphasized his administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises of good governance and economic stability.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Boluwade Ebenezer, added that the initiative would provide farmers, particularly young ones, with incentives to increase production, knowing their efforts would not be wasted. He described the program as a significant step toward creating opportunities in agriculture while ensuring a consistent food supply throughout the year.
